asking for trouble

Handmade Christmas Gifts

2017 Calendar tea towel

I didn’t do a lot of sewing last year but I did manage to make a few last minute gifts, including a couple of tea towel calendars. Spoonflower always have a 2 for 1 deal on fat quarters near the end of the year so I picked up a couple of my Happy Nature design.

2017 Calendar tea towel

They’re surprisingly quick and easy to make, even if you’ve been neglecting your sewing machine all year so there’s still time to make one. Check out my list for a guide.

sashiko pillow

I also made something a little more tricky: a zippered cushion cover! I haven’t sewed a zip in forever but it mostly went okay. I bought this birds sashiko pattern in Japan but didn’t post any of the progress as I knew I wanted to give it as a gift.

Birds Sashiko Pillow

I went through my entire fabric stash looking for something that would match for the back and eventually chose this pretty Japanese linen I’ve had for years.

Bunny Sashiko Pillow

I always planned to turn my Bunny & Fuji sashiko pieces into a double sided pillow so I made that at the same time and it’s pretty exciting to have finished it.

Fuji Sashiko Pillow

Here’s the other side, with my own Fuji character inserted into the same design. The wonkiness of some of my stitches is much less noticeable on a 3D pillow!

Here’s hoping I feel inspired to get back to my 2016 sewing plans since I barely got started.

marceline

Hello! I’m Marceline Smith, the designer and owner of Asking For Trouble. I create illustrated stationery, accessories and gifts using my cute characters inspired by Japanese kawaii. This is my business and personal blog where I write about my creative doings, inspirations, travels, Japan trips and daily life. Read more »


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All text, photos and illustrations are © Marceline Smith 2007-2024 unless credited otherwise. You may repost my images with full credit and link. However, do not reproduce full posts without my permission or use my images or writing for commercial purposes. Thank you!

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